The Eagles’ quarterback pipeline just lost a piece - but don’t expect Howie Roseman to stop investing in the position anytime soon.
Kyle McCord, Philadelphia’s sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is headed to Green Bay. The former Ohio State and Syracuse quarterback signed a reserve/future deal with the Packers after a rocky rookie campaign that never really took off in Philly. And with Sam Howell set to hit free agency and Tanner McKee potentially drawing trade interest, the Eagles’ QB depth chart is looking a little thin behind Jalen Hurts.
That opens the door for - you guessed it - another quarterback addition in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Let’s rewind for a second. When the Eagles snagged Hurts in the second round back in 2020, Roseman famously declared Philly wanted to be a “quarterback factory.” And while the assembly line hasn’t always produced gems, the philosophy remains: keep drafting quarterbacks, develop them, and either groom a future starter or flip them for value.
McCord struggled to gain traction in the preseason, completing just 42.9% of his passes with a touchdown and two picks over three games. That led to a practice squad stint and ultimately his departure.
Howell, a capable backup with starting experience, could walk in free agency. And McKee - the 2023 sixth-rounder who’s shown flashes - may be more valuable as trade bait than a long-term No.
So what’s next? The Eagles have drafted a quarterback in four of the last seven drafts, and with backup salaries on the rise, it’s a smart bet they’ll dip into the rookie pool again in 2026.
Whether they go early or wait until Day 3 depends on how the board falls - and who’s still available. Here are five names to watch as potential fits for Philly:
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Projected Round: 2nd | Overall Ranking: No. 41 | Measurables: 6'1", 200 lbs
Chambliss is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who turned heads in the College Football Playoff. There’s still a chance he returns to Ole Miss if the NCAA grants him another year of eligibility, but if he declares, he’ll likely be the third QB off the board behind Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson.
For the Eagles, this would be a Hurts-style swing - a second-round pick on a high-upside backup who could eventually push for more. He’s got the arm, the legs, and the big-game experience to intrigue a front office that values versatility and long-term upside.
Drew Allar, Penn State
Projected Round: 4th | Overall Ranking: No. 114 | Measurables: 6'5", 235 lbs
Once projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick, Allar’s stock has taken a hit. He battled through inconsistency early in the season, then missed the second half with an ankle injury.
Still, the tools are there. He’s got prototypical size, a strong arm, and the kind of upside that teams love to mold.
If he falls to Day 3, the Eagles could see him as a long-term project worth developing - or a future trade chip if he flashes in the preseason.
Taylen Green, Arkansas
Projected Round: 5th | Overall Ranking: No. 149 | Measurables: 6'6", 224 lbs
Green is a name that could rise fast during the pre-draft process. He transferred from Boise State and became a playmaker at Arkansas, racking up over 7,200 total yards and 50 touchdowns in two seasons.
His blend of size, athleticism, and production fits the Eagles’ mold for a developmental dual-threat quarterback. With two fifth-round picks in hand, Philly could take a shot on Green and bet on refining his mechanics and decision-making at the next level.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Projected Round: 5th | Overall Ranking: No. 161 | Measurables: 6'2", 210 lbs
Klubnik’s draft stock has taken a tumble after entering the season with first-round hype. Injuries and inconsistent play contributed to a down year for Clemson, but Klubnik still has traits that make him intriguing.
He’s experienced, athletic, and capable of making plays on the move - even if he hasn’t always put it all together. For the Eagles, he’s a classic Day 3 flyer: low risk, potentially high reward if he can regain his early form.
Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Projected Round: 6th | Overall Ranking: No. 201 | Measurables: 6'3", 233 lbs
Here’s a wild card. Payton only started for one year at NDSU, but he made it count - 2,719 passing yards, a 72% completion rate, 777 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns.
Opinions on him are all over the map; some scouts see a second-round talent, others don’t have him in their top 13 QBs. But the Eagles know this program well - they took a shot on Carson Wentz a decade ago - and Payton’s mobility and production could make him a worthwhile late-round stash.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles aren’t in crisis mode at quarterback - not with Jalen Hurts locked in as the franchise centerpiece. But in today’s NFL, having a strong QB2 (and even QB3) isn’t just insurance, it’s smart roster building. Whether it’s a second-round swing or another Day 3 dart throw, expect Philly to keep the quarterback factory humming this spring.
And if history’s any indication, Roseman won’t hesitate to restock the shelves.